Augusta Creek Headwaters and 300 Acres Protected by Smith Family

Landscapes www.SWMLC.org Winter 2014-2015 Vol. 22, No. 2 Augusta Creek Headwaters and 300 Acres Protected by Smith Family

A sandhill crane’s-eye view of the Smith property provides views of Little Gilkey Lake stretching north to Shallow Gilkey Lake, now permanently protected with a conservation easement. Quadcopter photo by Nate Fuller. unlight sparkles on the dew-covered spider webs as Lynn including a beaver dam on Augusta Creek. All these activities Steil’s paddle dips into the still waters of Little Gilkey are parts of the baseline documentation process being carried Lake. These webs, like the web of life, tie the reeds along out by volunteers and staff at Karl and Dana Smith’s unique and Sthe bank together, dancing and bobbing as the kayak slips past. beautiful 300-acre conservation easement in Barry County. Meanwhile, Becky Csia and Cheryl Lyon-Jenness carefully Karl and Dana grew up nearby and, at one time, their and accurately compile lists of species living and growing in parents Harold and Albertina Smith and Roswell and Ruth Van the early morning light. And Emily Wilke and I, armed with Deusen had the largest land holdings in Barry Township. Dana camera and GPS, record easement boundaries and landmarks, (continued on next page)

Mission, Vision, p. 2 • Matching Grant for Endangered Species Recovery, p. 4 • Rethinking the Future of Jones SGA, pp. 5-7 Reviving the Kalamazoo River, pp. 8-9 • Pilgrim Haven: Restoration and Recreation, pp. 10-11 • Nature Preserves with Parking and Trails, pp. 12-13 • Preserve Restoration Hits a “New Low,” pp. 14-15 • Oak Savanna Restoration, pp. 16-17 Upcoming Workdays, p. 18 • Improving Public Use of our Preserves, p. 19 • Stewardship Highlights, p. 19 Thank You, pp. 20-21 • Meet Cindy and Miko, p. 22 • Executive Director’s Report, p. 23 fondly recalls the adventures and excitement of growing up on and around the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, where her father, Roswell Van Deusen, was the director from 1955 to 1985. Karl has happy memories of the times spent with friends and family at the reunions they still host on the shores of Little Gilkey Lake and says, “The whole family comes to those reunions, and they all tell us how grateful they are that we are preserving “I grew up here, and I have so many happy this property.” He also expresses his memories exploring it as a boy. Seeing it Mission Statement enjoyment of quiet winter afternoons spent next to the wood stove in a small protected is a dream come true for me WMLC conserves ecologically important and scenic cabin with large observation windows Slandscapes that give our region its natural character — overlooking the same lake. and something my parents always wanted now and for generations to come. According to Karl, the property that to see happen.” contains the Smith easement is the second SWMLC seeks to: largest land holding in Barry Township — Karl Smith • Safeguard natural areas, open spaces, and waterways and is the majority of the land passed on through gifts and purchases of land and conservation to Karl and his late brother Roger by their parents. Harold easements; and Albertina were very conservation-minded and purchased • Strategically identify ecologically important areas to portions of the property as they could afford it, gradually protect and steward through conservation planning; accumulating over 300 acres. Karl, Dana, and their two sons • Encourage broad, public participation in conservation David and Andrew feel the same and wish to see the land and through a nonpartisan, nonadversarial approach; lakes protected and kept intact. An MDEQ Nonpoint Source • Provide places where people can recreate, reflect, and Program matching grant designed to conserve highly ranked grow in their knowledge and love of the natural world; and properties for water quality protection was the perfect vehicle • Preserve and restore natural areas so they can sustain to help make that happen. ecological diversity and function. In August 2011, the Four Township Water Resources Council (the steering committee for the grant) and the Vision Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) were awarded a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality WMLC envisions a southwest Michigan that is (MDEQ) Nonpoint Source matching grant to purchase Senvironmentally healthy, economically vibrant, and development rights in the Augusta Creek Watershed, thereby naturally beautiful. protecting the water quality for future generations. In September 2012, the Augusta Creek Advisory Council reached out to several priority landowners in the identified Potential Conservation Areas (PCA) to explain the grant and possible conservation options. Karl and Dana had been looking for realistic conservation opportunities for their land for quite some time and were happy to take part. “The Smith property is a very good candidate for conservation priority,” said Julia Kirkwood, environmental quality analyst at the MDEQ. “It is located at the headwaters of Augusta Creek, which supports a coldwater fishery, and passes through an abundance of wetlands which are in a more or less natural condition or are in the process of recovery from disturbances that occurred many decades ago.” Current concerns associated with stormwater runoff from agricultural fields and pressure from residential development in the upland SWMLC received the National Land Trust Excellence forests and agricultural fields pose the greatest risk to this PCA. Award in 2010 for its pioneering work in conservation. The ugustaA Creek flows south through the Smith Nature Trust Conservation Easement — the name Karl and Dana www.SWMLC.org have chosen for their property donation — and the property encompasses all of Little Gilkey Lake, most of Shallow Gilkey

2 Lake, and some of the Pitchfork Valley and it contains a variety of desirable plants include milfoils, coontail, wetland complex. Few humans access ecological communities. The wetlands pondweed, and duckweed. Shallow Gilkey Lake and Little Gilkey surrounding Little Gilkey and Shallow Inundated shrub swamp occurs on Lake. These more “wild” habitats are Gilkey Lakes and those scattered about the wetlands throughout the easement important for wildlife, including certain the property are comprised of a variety of and is a shrub-dominated community different types: emergent and submergent characterized by nearly continuous marsh, inundated shrub swamp, and inundation or saturation and dominance “I grew up here, and I have so many happy Southern shrub-carr. by buttonbush. Buttonbush is one of memories exploring it as a boy. Seeing it Emergent marsh is a shallow-water the most important native shrubs for wetland containing narrow- and broad- helping to preserve water quality and for protected is a dream come true for me leaved plants, grass-like plants, and enhancing wildlife habitat. Its extensive, floating-leaved herbs, poking up out of fibrous root system pulls nutrients out of and something my parents always wanted the water along the shores of both lakes. water and the water’s edge. Buttonbush to see happen.” Characteristic plants found on the Smith usually grows on banks, partly in water, property include bottlebrush sedge, yellow and does an excellent job of helping to — Karl Smith pond lily, sweet-scented water lily, pickerel reduce erosion. Butterflies and nectar- weed, marsh fern, bulrushes, water willow, feeding insects are attracted to the migrating or nesting waterfowl. The and broad- and narrow-leaved cattails. spherical, white blooms. The shrubs floristic quality of the wetlands associated This community, as well as submergent provide nesting areas for birds, and wood with the lakes is also moderate to high. marsh, provides great habitat for nesting ducks have been observed nesting in the “Buttonbush Swamps” of Karl and Dana’s easement. Southern shrub-carr occurs on the saturated, organic soil in the flat, low-lying areas of the property that are prone to fluctuating water levels and poor drainage conditions. These ecological communities, while dominated by willows and dogwood, have tamaracks mixed in, an indication of a good quality, undisturbed wetland. The woodlands on the Smith property are mostly dry-mesic forest, and as such are a mixture of oak and hickory. Other plants present are enchanter’s nightshade, jewelweed, wild geranium, wool-grass, Indian pipe, and Jack-in-the pulpit. This natural community is typical for Michigan’s glacial outwash and moraines and is home to hawks, Lynn Steil, SWMLC volunteer and former board member, monitored the Smith easement warblers, box turtles, and rattlesnakes. from her kayak. Photo by Emily E. Wilke. This very special place is also a much loved home to Karl, Dana, and The conservation values being protected birds, with sandhill cranes and hooded their family. The Southwest Michigan multiply by proximity to the 40-acre mergansers being observed on the lakes Land Conservancy thanks the Smiths for SWMLC Pitchfork Valley Conservation and wetlands of the easement. their strong conservation values and looks Easement a half-mile to the east. Submergent (underwater) marsh forward to helping them protect their Karl and Dana’s easement is made up vegetation is composed of both rooted unique homestead from development and of approximately one-third open water/ and non-rooted submergent plants, rooted fragmentation. wetlands, one-third oak-hickory forest, floating-leaved plants, and non-rooted — Cindy Mills and one-third former agricultural fields, floating plants. Common submergent

3 SWMLC Receives $180,000 Matching Grant for Endangered Species Recovery he Mitchell’s satyr butterfly is springs for all of our major river systems parcels of land at two sites, consisting one step closer to recovery from in southern Michigan. of 60 acres of land, with suitable fen the brink of extinction. As part Not only are the Mitchell’s satyrs habitat for the Mitchell’s satyr butterfly. Tof an ongoing effort to promote the and Eastern Massasaugas faced with The two sites are the Coldwater recovery of the federally endangered possible extinction, but the habitats Fen Complex in Branch County and Mitchell’s satyr and the threatened they thrive in — prairie fens — are at the Spring Brook Fen Complex in Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, risk as well. A prairie fen is an alkaline, Kalamazoo County. The Coldwater Fen SWMLC was recently awarded a spring-fed wetland, an unusual type of Complex is already home to the second $180,000 matching grant to purchase wetland, and they’re fast disappearing. largest population of Mitchell’s satyr 60 acres of high-quality and critical There are fewer than 15 Mitchell’s satyr butterflies and contains two of the three habitat in southwest Michigan. This sites left in the world, and Michigan is properties proposed for acquisition. support is from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife the only state left where Massasaugas SWMLC will also purchase a parcel Service through the Endangered Species are regularly found, since they’ve been within the Spring Brook Fen Complex, Act in partnership with the Michigan almost eradicated from the Midwest. which historically supported Mitchell’s Department of Natural Resources “We aren’t just talking about satyr butterflies and currently supports (DNR). protecting a little drab butterfly and a Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes. Why take so many measures to save rattlesnake,” said Nate Fuller, SWMLC SWMLC has been a member of the a little brown butterfly that’s almost conservation and stewardship director. Mitchell’s Satyr Working Group since extinct? One big reason is that the “You get more bang for your buck when 2001, which created a recovery plan to Mitchell’s satyr butterfly is the canary you protect prairie fens because they save Mitchell’s satyrs from extinction. in the coal mine for the health of our host one of the greatest variety of plants The goal of the recovery plan is to build drinking water. Mitchell’s satyrs are and animals. These habitats have a populations to a level where the satyrs found only in prairie fens, and fens are disproportionate amount of plant and can eventually be removed from the found in areas of the best groundwater animal diversity for their size. For every endangered species list. sources where you find headwaters Mitchell’s satyr, I’ll see 30 Baltimore But simply saving the places where checkerspots they exist isn’t enough. and dozens of “We need to find new places other butterflies. for them to live,” said Fuller. “ This I’m finding matching grant will enable SWMLC to rare turtles, triple the size of our current preserve salamanders, by buying contiguous satyr habitat, warblers, allowing us to manage the second thrushes, orchids, largest population in the world. We are wildflowers, working with partners in the hope that and all sorts of this site can act as a source population extraordinary for future introductions to new sites.” things. And The nde result will be an additional because prairie 60 acres protected, with 30 acres of fens are the habitat occupied by Mitchell’s satyrs sources for most and 30 acres occupied by Eastern of our rivers Massasaugas with potential for and streams, future satyr reintroduction. Fuller by protecting adds, “Reintroduction efforts are just this habitat, beginning, and we have a lot to learn. we protect our But I’m more optimistic about the water.” Mitchell’s satyr recovery than I’ve been SWMLC will in a long time.” Mitchell’s satyr butterfly in Coldwater Fen by Peter D. Ter Louw. purchase three — Staff

4 Paradise Rediscovered Rethinking the Future of Jones SGA he map for Crane Pond State Geoffrey Cripe, SWMLC’s director carmland all around it that draws from Game area resembles a giant of land protection. “The locals call this water table for irrigation.” (St. Scrabble board, with angular it Purgatory for good reason. There Joseph County, home to Pioneer and Thunks of protected land scattered like are ghost stories and rumors about Monsanto plants, grows 20 percent of long green words across the rural hills houses that Joe Louis and Al Capone the world’s seed corn.) and valleys of eastern Cass County. supposedly owned out here.” Aerial photos taken when the first Its nearby counterpart, the Three “What most people don’t realize is game area properties were bought in Rivers State Game Area in St. Joseph how critical this region is as a source of the 1930s show a naked, farmed-out County, looks quite the opposite. Here, water recharge. It has 25-30 lakes, and landscape, sadly devoid of trees. After most of the protected land clusters the headwaters for five creeks and the a 60–70 year respite, hardwood forests into a single, T-shaped clump — not Rocky River begin here. There’s prime (continued on next page) unlike a Scrabble game started by beginners with kid-sized vocabularies. The two properties combined go by the name Jones SGA, after the nearby village of Jones. Together, they cover 6,300 undeveloped acres. Yet for the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, the 50,000 acres that surround the Jones SGA holds equal appeal. SWMLC plans a conservation effort, writ large on public and private lands, which will link the green blocks into a more cohesive ecological whole. SWMLC’s plan will encompass a landscape rare for southern Michigan. It includes the Newberg Hills (one hill called Mt. Misery rises to 1,1,00 feet) that offers topographic delights for skiers and mountain bikers. It’s threaded by two excellent, little-known trout streams (Curtis and Trout creeks) in a part of the state not known for trout. There’s also a massive, geologic oddity known as the Big Rock, along with secluded old-growth trees and a vast, pristine wet meadow that time and ditch-minded drain commissioners somehow forgot. “This area really has a lost wilderness feel to it,” said Jones State Game Area Conservation Plan project area. Map by Nate Fuller.

5 and native grasses now garment the once gullied hills. All the better, Making Sustainability says Steve Chadwick, regional manager for the Department of Natural Resource’s (DNR) Southwest division, for the terrain to Out of Scatterplot serve its age-old, hydrologic function. ver the past 10 years, SWMLC has steadily “The hills are made of heavy glacial till soils that soak up water,” Obuilt its resumé in the art and science of Chadwick explained. “Then it percolates through and squishes out conservation planning. With a unique and into the plains. I’ve flown over it at 2,000 feet in a DNR airplane vulnerable 6,300-acre resource area to build from and it always amazes me how clearly you can see what the glaciers left and plenty of experienced partners aboard to keep behind.” each other honest, the Jones SGA conservation In recent years, the Jones SGA has amazed more than hunters and planning project is off to a promising start. Our DNR biologists. Its back-of-beyond appeal has made it popular with mission will be to connect the scattered wildlands devotees of so-called quiet sports, such as mushroom hunters, hikers, of the Jones SGA through the creation of cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and mountain bikers. sustainable greenways and conservation-friendly, As more visitors learn of the area, it’s timely that SWMLC takes “wildlife-approved” practices on adjacent lands. steps to increase preservation. With a $5,000 Land Trust Alliance With a partnership representing diverse interests grant, SWMLC convened a 14-member advisory committee. It in the region, including wildlife management, includes DNR and SWMLC staff, as well as farmers, hunters, rural ecological management, farming, hunting, fishing, landowners, and local business owners. The group has used maps, public and private recreation, and land conservation, species lists, and a GIS survey to identify lands worthy of protection. the group undertook a comprehensive SWOT SWMLC will employ its usual tools to protect land around Jones analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and SGA: buy parcels outright or enter into conservation easements with Threats) to set the parameters for the GIS-based landowners. However, much of the restoration efforts will rely on priority resource analysis. private landowners. They can apply for funds from agencies such as To establish criteria and weights, we distilled the the National Resource Conservation Service that cover tree seedlings, partners’ input to land upon four core objectives: prairie restoration, and buffer plantings near watercourses. (1) protect surface and groundwater resources, “Ken Kesson, DNR wildlife biologist for Jones SGA, is the expert including freshwater wetlands; (2) protect/restore at helping landowners create better habitat,” Cripe said. “When significant upland habitats to promote species there’s government money for conservation available, Ken doesn’t like diversity and game hunting; (3) facilitate a mutually to leave a dollar on the table.” beneficial natural/agricultural land interface; and The next step will be a meeting in January to share the conservation (4) protect and connect diverse recreational assets. plan with local landowners and public officials. With its forested highlands recharging ground and Already, the region’s new identity has begun to emerge. The surface waters, and with headwater streams and Melting Mann Dirt Road Bike Challenge, “A Race Through No Man’s wetlands emanating from the “Newberg Hills,” it Land,” is evidence of that. Organized by Jamie Stafne from Marcellus was clear that water would be a major focus. As and Mark Wright from Three Rivers, the inaugural race on March 9, Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Water is the driver of 2014, drew 255 riders. This, despite the 13-degree temperature at nature.” The preliminary analysis results show that starting time. potential greenway connections mimic, to a large “We had a 14- and 28-mile loop, all on gravel roads,” said Stafne, degree, the corridors of all things wet. who works in public relations and marketing at the nearby Swiss Valley The next step will be a public input session with Ski Area. “People from around the state were surprised by the tough local landowners, where our model data will be put terrain. They called it ‘a hidden gem.’ We’re expecting 500 people to the test by the best ground-sleuths available. Our next year.” partnership will then refine our GIS analysis and And Stafne said bikes aren’t the half of it. Last winter, she saw produce the final conservation plan upon which more snowshoers and cross-country skiers than ever using Swiss Valley we will base future implementation activities and as a trailhead to explore the adjacent game areas. In spring, she saw a prosperity plan. While most conservation plans “tons of mushroom hunters.” Stafne also believes the Melting Mann we create are primed to direct SWMLC outreach loop would make for a scenic if grueling half-marathon run. Dirt efforts, this one will have broader utility for roads, once viewed as an economic liability, now have quiet-sport multiple end-users. With SWMLC’s leadership, street cred. sustainability will be pursued by committee. Nonetheless, DNR staff emphasize that these are still state game — Geoffrey D. Cripe areas — not state recreation areas. They were created for hunters and trappers. The DNR maintains them with federal funds raised

6 by Pittman-Robertson Act taxes on firearms and ammunition. This means that hunting activities take precedence over non-hunting uses. Moreover, the DNR’s Chadwick says Pittman- Robertson funds cannot be used for what the law deems “incompatible” uses. Among these are establishing trails for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Still, Chadwick says the law allows the DNR some wiggle room — and they may need it. Hunting license sales in Michigan fell from a high of 1.1 million in 1992 to 786,000 in 2011. At Gourdneck SGA in Portage, the DNR reports that more “non- sportsmen” may now use the area than hunters and fishers. At Cannonsburg SGA in Ada, there’s a seven-mile Mann Trail, Crane Pond State Game Area. Photo by Kristin Schinske. mountain bike route that doubles as a work trail and thus gets around the like. Fifty years ago, Kesson’s DNR predecessors introduced Pittman-Robertson limits. (The trail closes from the autumn olive, multiflora rose, and other well-intended Sept. 15–March 1 to avoid conflicts with hunting.) wildlife plants that have since become invasive nightmares. Their varied uses aside, it’s building the ecologic vitality Not so today. of these lands that will keep them bountiful for all. So on a “For my generation of scientists,” says Kesson, his beige chilly October afternoon, Ken Kesson led a small tour group trousers and brown jacket of apiece with the dun hues of the along a Mill Creek fen to show them what progress looks marsh, “following the native nature of a place is usually the best way to go.” Armed with a “bloody glove” (one dipped in herbicide), Kesson’s restoration crew has turned back the botanical clock. Once they killed off the invasive purple loosestrife and single leaf cattails, the fen’s native seedbed resurrected a bounty of blue joint grass, blue vervain, and cardinal flower. Game area or area for games? Either way, the tamarack needles glow pumpkin gold along a clear, purling stream as the quiet of an autumn dusk sets in. — Tom Springer Tom Springer is a former SWMLC board member. He is the author of Looking for Hickories, a collection of essays about the people and wild landscapes of southwest Michigan. Tom resides in Three Rivers with his wife and Mill Creek, Three Rivers State Game Area. Photo by Peter D. Ter Louw. two daughters.

7 Reviving the Kalamazoo River Kalamazoo River Watershed Land Conservation Plan

his year, after an intense, year-long collaboration among many partners, the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy and the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council (KRWC) completed the TKalamazoo River Watershed Land Conservation Plan. The Conservation Plan revealed eight sub-watershed areas with the highest concentration of priority parcels which, if conserved, would have the greatest impact on preserving water quality, improving the health of the Kalamazoo River, and ultimately, Lake Michigan. SWMLC and KRWC convened a group of watershed experts and local stakeholders and enlisted the help of a team of graduate students at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment. The group developed a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) model to assess land conservation value based on several water quality parameters, including proximity to conserved lands, water, and wetlands. The analysis identified the top 10% and top 20% of priority parcels to be conserved. The sub- watersheds with the greatest concentration of these parcels comprised the eight priority sub-watersheds. These eight priority sub-watershed areas will be the focus of our collaborative work in the next several years. Protecting land in these sub- watersheds means preserving good water quality, habitat, rural character, and recreational values in our region.

The Kalamazoo River Watershed is the seventh largest river basin in the state, encompassing approximately 2,020 square miles and eventually draining into Lake Michigan. The Kalamazoo River Watershed provides vital natural resources and recreational opportunities to people in the region. Over the years, the Kalamazoo River has seen a great deal of abuse, but despite its history of pollution, the Kalamazoo River Watershed maintains an abundance of natural landscapes, including high-quality headwater streams, wetlands, and floodplains — natural features that just might be the saving grace for the river. Protecting the many intact, healthy, natural communities within the watershed will prevent the effects of non-point source pollution and improve the health of the river. Now that the plan is complete, SWMLC and KRWC are exploring ways to share it with the broader community to have the greatest impact on reviving the Kalamazoo River and protecting its tributaries. We have completed an executive summary, are currently Ackley Creek and Wanondoga Creek flow into the Battle Creek and boast numerous lakes developing outreach materials, and are planning to host public meetings to share our and wetlands, including the Big Marsh, a stopover site for migrating sandhill cranes, findings. This plan will guide future efforts to conserve the most meaningful natural areas which is largely protected by the Michigan Audubon Society’s Bernard Baker Sanctuary. Photo by Peter D. Ter Louw. within the watershed. — Peter D. Ter Louw

8 Reviving the Kalamazoo River ongratulations to all the partners who worked together to make this Kalamazoo River Watershed Land Conservation Plan Cplan possible. With a special thanks to graduate students from the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Michigan; Dr. J. David Allan (advisor), Kyle Alexander, Jamie Jackson, Fumi Kikuyama, Ben Sasamoto, and Alison Stevens for doing the bulk of the writing and GIS model. Thanks to Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan, Kalamazoo Community Foundation and the Frey Foundation, DEQ Water Resources Division, DEQ Office of the Great Lakes, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for providing funding for completion of the plan. Also a big thank you to all of the partner organizations that participated in our planning meetings and provided invaluable support and input, including: Land Conservancy of West Michigan; Legacy Land Conservancy; Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy; Kalamazoo Nature Center; Michigan Nature Association; Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Michigan Department of Environmental Quality; Barry Conservation District; Calhoun Conservation District; Allegan Conservation District; Eaton Conservation District; Kalamazoo Conservation District; Gun Lake Tribe; Gull Lake Quality Organization; Four Townships Water Resources Council; Forum for Kalamazoo; City of Kalamazoo Public Services; Kalamazoo County Department of Planning; Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner; Calhoun County Water Resources Commissioner; Calhoun County Planning Department; Allegan County Drain Commissioner; Michigan Natural Features Inventory; Kalamazoo County Trout Unlimited; Keiser and Associates; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services; Ducks Unlimited, MSU – KBS; Potawatomi RC&D; and Saugatuck Dunes Costal Alliance.

The Kalamazoo River Watershed is the seventh largest river basin in the state, encompassing approximately 2,020 square miles and eventually draining into Lake Michigan. The Kalamazoo River Watershed provides vital natural resources and recreational opportunities to people in the region. Over the years, the Kalamazoo River has seen a great deal of abuse, but despite its history of pollution, the Kalamazoo River Watershed maintains an abundance of natural landscapes, including high-quality headwater streams, wetlands, and floodplains — natural features that just might be the saving grace for the river. Protecting the many intact, healthy, natural communities within the watershed will prevent the effects of non-point source pollution and improve the health of the river. Now that the plan is complete, SWMLC and KRWC are exploring ways to share it with the broader community to have the greatest impact on reviving the Kalamazoo River and protecting its tributaries. We have completed an executive summary, are currently developing outreach materials, and are planning to host public meetings to share our Swan Creek is a designated Natural River under the State of Michigan Natural findings. This plan will guide future efforts to conserve the most meaningful natural areas Rivers Act. It flows north through farmland into the Allegan State Game Area and within the watershed. Kalamazoo River. The creek is fed with a large volume of groundwater keeping it cool and supporting rainbow and brown trout. Photo by Peter D. Ter Louw. — Peter D. Ter Louw

9 Pilgrim Haven: Restoration and Recreation

A new invasive plant to the region, sweet woodruff Galium( Pilgrim Haven Natural Area lies in one of the “Priority Conservation odoratum) was spotted by the SWMLC crew at Pilgrim Areas” (PCAs) along the Eastern Lake Michigan shoreline Haven. This escaped garden groundcover with a mat- determined by partners on our Sustain Our Great Lakes (SOGL) forming habit has demonstrated very invasive tendencies in grant. PCAs are regions along the shoreline with healthy and intact the northwest lower peninsula, as reported by our partners coastal ecosystems which stand to benefit the most from proactive at the Leelanau Conservancy. The small stand of sweet invasive plant management. SOGL has funded invasive plant woodruff at Pilgrim Haven was promptly treated and will be mapping and, more recently, plant treatment on the preserve and the closely monitored in the future. region since 2009.

This year, the SWMLC stewardship crew treated invasive plants on nearly all 26.5 acres of Pilgrim Haven through a combination of hand pulling, mechanical cutting, and foliar spraying methods. Thorough care was taken to minimize harm to native plants while managing targeted invasive plants such as Japanese barberry, bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, Oriental bittersweet, Japanese honeysuckle-vine, and Japanese knotweed.

The small but dense colony of sweet woodruff before treatment, growing in the beech-maple woods at Pilgrim Haven. Note the lack of plant diversity within the colony.

The South Haven community and beyond turned out in big numbers on two summer workdays to rake, yank, cut, and clear the path through the woods at Pilgrim Haven for the public to enjoy. They created a 1/3 mile, 6-foot-wide trail that meanders through the beech-maple forest and offers glimpses of Dyckman Creek as it takes hikers toward Lake Michigan. We are grateful to Cottage Homes, who graciously donated materials and labor to create the new pedestrian access on 77th Street!

Before (above) and after (below) initial management at Pilgrim Haven, identifying invasive shrubs within the photo: Japanese barberry, common privet, and bush honeysuckle. Cottage Home donated pedestrian access.

10 Pilgrim Haven: Restoration and Recreation

Any ecological restoration project worth its salt should address Pilgrim Haven’s close proximity to Van Buren State Park and what plants will replace invasives once they have been successfully North Point Conservation Area increases its “conservation reduced or eradicated. At Pilgrim Haven, we’ve certainly been value.” These two conserved properties together comprise thinking about this, and we are anticipating mixed results. For over 400 acres of intact dune complexes, forests, and wetlands, areas of the property that were historically intact “woods” when and SWMLC survey crews found shockingly few invasive the property was a bustling camp, we expect the vegetation and plants growing there. An American robin foraging on invasive seed bank to bounce back with more high-quality natives soon Oriental bittersweet fruit at Pilgrim Haven would not have to after invasives are treated. More disturbed areas of the property, fly far to “deposit” an invasive Oriental bittersweet seed on a where cabins, playgrounds, and high levels of foot traffic once high-quality dune at either of these parks, illustrating that the were, may require more time before we start to see high-quality effects of our invasive plant work at Pilgrim Haven will be felt understory plants. Future infrastructure improvements will be beyond its borders. strategically located in these areas.

The South Haven community and beyond turned out in big numbers on two summer workdays to rake, yank, cut, and clear Fundraiser/member extraordinaire John Lewandowski in Bryce Volunteers clear a section of the 1/3 mile the path through the woods at Pilgrim Haven for the public to Canyon during one day’s ride of 78 miles! trail by any means possible. enjoy. They created a 1/3 mile, 6-foot-wide trail that meanders through the beech-maple forest and offers glimpses of Dyckman Long-time SWMLC member John Lewandowski rode his bicycle Creek as it takes hikers toward Lake Michigan. We are grateful for six days through Bryce Canyon, Utah, ascending over 18,800 to Cottage Homes, who graciously donated materials and labor vertical feet in a spirited fundraiser, “Pedaling for Pilgrim Haven.” to create the new pedestrian access on 77th Street! His successful efforts raised over $2,700 which will be used for site improvements and bring us one step closer to our public access goals. John’s goodwill, and biking, have boosted many fundraising projects in the past. One such project was a 1,700-mile bicycle ride from Maine to Florida to raise money for Deerlick Creek Beach in South Haven, just north of Pilgrim Haven. Thank you, John, for all that you do!

SWMLC, in partnership with South Haven Area Recreation Authority (SHARA), has an active application pending with the Natural Resources Trust Fund to help fund Phase I improvements at Pilgrim Haven, Pilgrim Haven trail workday volunteers including a parking lot and barrier-free access to the lake. The site is now included the Mount Pleasant-based publicly accessible with a pedestrian entrance on 77th Street and a new community group, The Village Art Project. walking trail through the forested section of the preserve. In the interim, the site will be maintained cooperatively with SHARA. — Mitch Lettow

11 Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy Nature Preserves with Parking and Trails All preserves open dawn to dusk (more details & directions at www.SWMLC.org)

ALLEGAN COUNTY 1. Wau-Ke-Na, William Erby Smith Preserve 365 acres in Ganges Township South Tract has 3 miles of mowed walking trails through forest and grassland; North Tract has 1/3 mile of mowed walking trails through forest to Lake Michigan.

BARRY COUNTY 3. Hidden Pond Preserve 67 acres in Hope Township 1/2 mile of easy-to-moderate trails through grassland and forest edges, over a stream to a hilltop pond. Surrounded by Barry State Game Area.

4. Carter Lake Preserve 57 acres in Hastings Township 1 1/2 miles of moderate-to-difficult trails through wetland and forest. Trail begins with a steep stairway down into wetlands. Use caution during high water events.

5. Gertrude McPharlin Bauer Nature Sanctuary 20 acres in Castleton Township 1/2 mile of easy-to-difficult trails through forest to overlook of river valley. A difficult and steep foot path leads down into the floodplain below.

VAN BUREN COUNTY 6. Pilgrim Haven Natural Area No parking available yet Pedestrial access on 77th Street 26 acres in South Haven Township 1/3 mile of easy trail through woods and meadows that leads to Lake Michigan overlooks. Paths down to beach are steep through loose sand. Parking is currently along shoulder of road. 9. Winterberry Woods KALAMAZOO COUNTY 15 acres in Covert Township 19. KL Avenue Nature Preserve 8. Black River Preserve 500 feet of easy unimproved trail through forest No public parking yet No parking available yet to pond. Parking is limited to pulling into a gravel 69 acres in Oshtemo Township 121 acres in Geneva Township driveway in front of the gate. Two 3/4 mile loops of easy to moderate trails wind 1 2/3 miles of currently unimproved trails through through forest and meadow. Rolling landscape forest and wetland. Trails range from easy to 13. Jeptha Lake Fen provides scenic vistas. difficult with some steep paths. Parking is currently 49 acres in Columbia Township limited by pulling into a gravel driveway in front of 1 mile of easy mowed trails and boardwalk through 22. Bow in the Clouds Preserve the gate. grassland, forest edge, and wetlands to lake. 60 acres in the City of Kalamazoo 1 mile of easy-to-moderate trails and boardwalk

12 Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy Nature Preserves with Parking and Trails All preserves open dawn to dusk (more details & directions at www.SWMLC.org)

25. Chipman Preserve 228 acres in Comstock Township 6 miles of easy-to-moderate mowed trails through rolling savanna, forest, and grassland habitat. Popular for cross-country skiing in winter.

BERRIEN COUNTY 29. Hickory Creek Preserve 32 acres in St. Joseph Charter Township 2/3 mile of easy trail along old railroad bed with moderate side trails into forest. Main trail is part of a 5.5-mile trail linking Township parks along Hickory Creek and the St. Joseph River to Lake Michigan.

34. Kesling Nature Preserve 55 acres in Three Oaks Township 1 1/4 miles of easy trails through forest along the banks of the south branch of the Galien River to steep ravine overlooks. Popular for bird watching.

35. Topinabee Lake Preserve 71 acres in Bertrand Township 50 feet of easy mowed path leads to a viewing platform overlooking a shallow lake. Park along the shoulder of the dirt road. Popular for bird watching.

CASS COUNTY 38. Spirit Springs Sanctuary 124 acres in Marcellus Township 2 1/4 miles of easy-to-moderate mowed trails through forest with views of ponds and wetlands.

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY 39. Coon Hollow Preserve 9 acres in Fabius Township KALAMAZOO COUNTY through forest and wetlands. Trails begin with 300 feet of easy-to-moderate trail down a hill 19. KL Avenue Nature Preserve a steep path down through the forest to the along the edge of a scenic wetland to a short No public parking yet floodplain. Enjoy the new parking lot! boardwalk into the wetland. 69 acres in Oshtemo Township Two 3/4 mile loops of easy to moderate trails wind 23. Marc’s Marsh 40. Hidden Marsh Sanctuary through forest and meadow. Rolling landscape 11 acres in Comstock Township 38 acres in City of Three Rivers provides scenic vistas. 300 feet of easy gravel path to an overlook platform. 2/3 mile of easy trails through forest along the Provides views of sedge meadows and the south banks of 22. Bow in the Clouds Preserve shore of Lyons Lake. Portage River and Hoffman Pond. 60 acres in the City of Kalamazoo 1 mile of easy-to-moderate trails and boardwalk

13 Preserve Restoration Hits a “New Low” Hydrological restoration gets to the roots of invasive plant problems hen you hear about a other invasive plant, restoration project at a back to the source natural area, what comes with the intent that toW mind? For most people it involves native vegetation will the deterrent of invasive plants and follow and restore promotion of native plants. But with the habitat. Ideally the support and experience of several the introduction of conservation partners, SWMLC has the invasive to the begun examining the potential of site was some sort of restoring the hydrology of altered isolated incident that wetlands on its preserves. won’t repeat itself once There can be cascading effects when the site is restored. something as fundamental as water However, sometimes movement is changed on a landscape. the reason the invasive Invasive species are often indicators plants became of a system out of balance. It can be established and thrived tempting to react to a stand of invasive is because of the plants like glossy buckthorn, phragmites, underlying conditions Left: The Heath Road property in August during the wetland restoration. Right: The same property in October, after the restoration. and narrow-leaved cattail with a simple of the hydrology of a Photos by Nate Fuller. “get-it-now” approach. But sometimes site. it pays dividends in the long term to step back and ask the questions, “How did Bow in the Clouds Preserve that invasive plant get there and why is it A good example is at Bow in the thriving in that location?” Clouds Preserve. Some of its wetlands Efficient habitat restoration begins had only a few scattered buckthorns, but by understanding the underlying other areas were extremely dense. An conditions that may be impacting the underlying reason for the buckthorn’s natural functions of a site. If the way success was revealed after a concerted water flows through a natural area has effort was made to clear over five acres of been changed, invasive species are likely invasive shrubs. to follow. In these situations, if you As seasonal staff and volunteers can restore the hydrology, then you’ve cut back buckthorn, linear ditches were addressed the reason why the invasive revealed. Along the ditches was not species are there and thriving, and only glossy buckthorn, a known wetland restoration becomes much easier. invader, but upland invaders like autumn Invasive shrubs like glossy buckthorn olive, bush honeysuckle, and multiflora are unfortunately common in southwest rose which were thriving on the slightly Michigan wetlands. The most common situation is some sort of disturbance The aerial images at right are of Bow in in soil or water creates an opening for the Clouds Preserve. The 1997 inset shows them to become established. In glossy the straight lines of ditches in the wetland. buckthorn’s case, once it gets established By 2013, the marks of over 70 brush piles and starts to spread, the thick stand can be seen in the altered portion of the of shrubs draws more water and drops wetland on the right-hand side and only nitrogen-rich leaves, creating ideal 3 in the unaltered portion on the bottom growing conditions for its seedlings. left. Removing the berm and plugging the In this sort of case, restoration ditches should help discourage the return of efforts will often focus on pushing the invasive brush. Images courtesy of the City leading edge of the buckthorn, or some of Kalamazoo GIS.

14 raised ditch spoils. Reviewing historic More recent aerials taken since the brush Michigan Department of Environmental aerial images revealed ditches from an era removal illustrates how the density Quality (DEQ) and Department of when farming in wetlands was common. of invasive shrubs (now brush piles) Natural Resources (DNR) looked over correlates with the the site and agreed that restoration of altered hydrology the wetland needed to focus on water (ditches in the restoration before plant restoration. wetland). Once the plans were completed Professional and approved by the DEQ, contractors and financial (Generation III again) began scraping support came from the upland soils out of the wetland, and the U.S. Fish and the drain tiles were removed. One of the Wildlife Service’s tiles led back to a vigorous spring which (USFWS) Partners had been buried and diverted for decades. for Wildlife Program Within a few days, the scraped area and Generation III was inundated with cool, fresh spring Excavating to plan water. SWMLC anticipates receiving the and implement property as a new preserve before the end the hydrological of the year. restoration of the wetland. Detailed Sand Creek Preserve elevation surveys of At Sand Creek Preserve, a bed of Left: The Heath Road property in August during the wetland restoration. Right: The same property in October, after the restoration. the wetland revealed reed canary grass grew on a slight mound Photos by Nate Fuller. a ditch and berm system that between an old excavated pond and the was keeping parts of the wetland 55-acre prairie planting. The canary grass artificially dry — ideal conditions for was thriving on soils excavated to form invasive species. the pond decades ago. With support and It was startling to see large excavation guidance from DU and DEQ, the canary equipment in the wetland, but in less grass area was scraped by Generation than a day, professional contractors III and the historic wetland soils were had removed the berm and plugged revealed. Seeds of small rushes that had the ditches. Within hours water was been buried for decades germinated pooling back into the wetland. A within a month after the work was wetland ecology class from Kellogg completed. Additional native plant seed Biological Station was on hand the was sown by volunteers to supplement following day to see the results and sow the newly exposed wet prairie patch. The wetland plant seed over the bare soil. reed canary grass is still present at the (A photo of the class at work is on page perimeter of the site, but a more natural 23.) A few weeks later, the sedges were hydrology to the site will make its control sprouting and the honeysuckle was much easier in the long run. drowning. At the end of the day, anytime we can address the root cause of a problem, Heath Road rather than the symptoms, we can expect Likewise, when SWMLC was better results. SWMLC is excited to be reviewing a potential gift property gaining experience in wetland restoration, on Heath Road in Barry County (see learning from partners such as DU, photos of Heath Road above), one of USFWS, DNR, and DEQ. As our the wetlands showed signs of disruption stewardship program continues efforts to by the presence of reed canary grass and maintain and restore our region’s natural autumn olive. Not only were portions heritage, we expect to be sharing more of the wetland filled with upland soils, success stories on habitat improvement a drain tile was found making a portion on SWMLC preserves in the near future. of the wetland artificially dry. Experts — Nate Fuller from Ducks Unlimited (DU), USFWS,

15 Oak Savanna Restoration: Restoring Our Natural History ak savannas were once a significant part of The majority of upland soils in southern Michigan’s natural heritage but were Kalamazoo County are a mix Example of Surveyor’s Route Kalamazoo Region Circa 1800 Along Section Lines virtually erased from the landscape in the last of sand and loam where white O200 years. Nowhere else in the state was there a greater oaks were most common. These concentration of mixed oak savannas than in the rolling conditions were first recorded in sandy gravel hills of southwest Michigan. the early 1800s when nearly 50% The .S.U Fish and Wildlife Service has made the of the uplands were some form restoration of grasslands, including savannas, one of its of savanna or prairie. priorities for southern Michigan. They have provided The rstfi Public Land generous funding to SWMLC to restore savannas in Survey of the state is recorded Kalamazoo County. With this support, great progress in handwritten notebooks was made at three different savanna types at three maintained in the State B preserves distributed across three townships in the Archives of Michigan (see A county. sample below). These surveys Historically, savannas occurred on a variety of soils include descriptions of the and slopes with different species of oaks adapted for landscape, trees, and soil with local conditions. Soils ranged from moist loam to dry the intent to give guidance to sand (a.k.a. barrens) where bur oaks and black oaks prospecting settlers — the “first dominated respectively at either end of the soil spectrum. rate” soils of prairies would be ideal for cultivation. Generations later, this information was used to develop maps showing the general habitat cover A [Enters the prairie — future location in the early 1800s (see of Galesburg] Kalamazoo Region Circa 1800 map to right). To the left is landscape with an example of Thomas Whelpley’s survey black, white and yellow (chinquapin) oaks near what is notes as he marked the section lines of today Bow in the Clouds Preserve. Comstock Township in 1825, walking north Surveyor George W. Harrison’s notes taken when [14" diameter bur oak] toward what would become the Chipman surveying Oshtemo Township, immediately west of Preserve 178 years later. His route between Kalamazoo Township, describe a different sort of sections 14 and 23 took him into a small savanna all together. Black oak barrens covered the dry, prairie that only ten years later was developed sandy slopes of Oshtemo Township, the largest area of as the town of Morton, later named this habitat type in Michigan (see large orange area on Galesburg (Line A on 1825 Comstock Kalamazoo Region map). Near modern-day KL Avenue [12" diameter bur oak] Twp. Surveyor’s Route map above). As he Nature Preserve, oak “grubs” along with prairie grasses continued north between sections 14 and 15 and “weeds” grew under scattered black oaks. B (Line B on map), he marked bur oaks at 40 But before long, oak savannas of all kinds were for all chains (½ mile) and 80 chains (1 mile section intents and purposes gone from the Midwest landscape corner). The land was described as “rolling (not unlike the passenger pigeon which once feasted on barrens,” “good soil,” with white, bur and the acorns of these lost savannas). Savannas were too yellow [chinquapin] oaks. inviting for settlement and were converted to homesteads Bur oak savannas were less common while the surrounding prairies became farm fields. Any than white oak savannas that covered savannas left undeveloped disappeared under the shade much of Kalamazoo County. Just west of unchecked growth from lack of fire. of Comstock Township on the border Public Land Survey notes recorded in Comstock Twp., 1825. See The bur oaks of Chipman Preserve, white oaks example on map at top. of Kalamazoo Township and City of of Bow in the Clouds Preserve, and black oaks of KL Kalamazoo, Mr. Whelpley described a hilly Avenue Nature Preserve are once again being given the

16 Oak Savanna Restoration: Restoring Our Natural History and someday we hope to maybe even get red-headed Kalamazoo Region Circa 1800 woodpeckers back to the site. These projects are not complete, but now have the structure of tall oaks and open understory to support the long-term goals of restoring native vegetation that in turn supports the wildlife, vegetation, hydrology, and overall ecological function of our region’s savannas that have been missing for generations. — Nate Fuller

landscape with chance to thrive in the natural communities that black, white and yellow (chinquapin) oaks near what is developed over thousands of years, acclimated for local today Bow in the Clouds Preserve. soil and climate conditions. Surveyor George W. Harrison’s notes taken when At Bow in the Clouds, topography and streams surveying Oshtemo Township, immediately west of did not allow for heavy equipment, and the brush Kalamazoo Township, describe a different sort of work was all done by the hands of SWMLC’s field savanna all together. Black oak barrens covered the dry, crew. They cut and stacked and stump-treated acres of sandy slopes of Oshtemo Township, the largest area of overgrown hillsides to provide the open understory for this habitat type in Michigan (see large orange area on native wildflowers and grasses to return. Kalamazoo Region map). Near modern-day KL Avenue Brush was cleared at Chipman Preserve by Nature Preserve, oak “grubs” along with prairie grasses Generation III Excavating using large excavator and “weeds” grew under scattered black oaks. equipment. Then dedicated volunteers followed up But before long, oak savannas of all kinds were for all with treatment of brush sprouts and, come spring, intents and purposes gone from the Midwest landscape a small prairie, sometimes called an oak opening, (not unlike the passenger pigeon which once feasted on will soon sprout with local genotype grasses and the acorns of these lost savannas). Savannas were too wildflowers to serve as a propagation source for future inviting for settlement and were converted to homesteads restoration. while the surrounding prairies became farm fields. Any Likewise at KL Avenue Nature Preserve, over savannas left undeveloped disappeared under the shade 10 acres of brush, mostly autumn olive and bush of unchecked growth from lack of fire. honeysuckle, were cleared by contractors and then The bur oaks of Chipman Preserve, white oaks sown by hand to transform a dark thicket into a rolling of Bow in the Clouds Preserve, and black oaks of KL savanna once more. Bluebirds welcome the change, Avenue Nature Preserve are once again being given the

17 Upcoming Workdays All workdays listed below occur on Saturdays. Please email Mitch ([email protected]) if you plan to come or if you have questions.

Have a Swale Time January 10, 1 to 4 p.m. Chipman Preserve, Comstock Start the new year off by getting cozy with Mother Nature! Chipman Preserve typically has dry sandy soil, but in the low swale that runs through the middle of the preserve where more moisture collects, the invasive shrubs are particularly “enthusiastic.” This is where we’ll focus our efforts on cutting back invasive shrub species. We’ll walk to our site alongside old nursery plantings containing crabapples, serviceberries, and sumacs where fruit-eating songbirds like bluebirds, cedar KL Avenue Nature Preserve got a helping hand from Pfizer employees and our waxwings, and robins are often seen in winter. Wednesday Workday Warriors, tools lifted in triumph at the end of the day. Photo by Mitch Lettow. Save a Savanna February 21, 1 to 4 p.m. an entire year’s worth of weed control and hand collecting of KL Avenue Nature Preserve, Oshtemo native genotype seed, we’ll finally get to bring in the natives! With all the leaves off of the trees creating long sight-lines, Come help us hand broadcast prairie seed, plant natives from winter is the perfect time to appreciate the rolling topography plugs, and prepare the soil to start this exciting chapter of and the bowl-like kettles and hills at KL Avenue Nature growth and establishment in Chipman’s ongoing story of Preserve. KL is a fairly new preserve to the Conservancy but, restoration. boy, have we been busy! Our oak savanna restoration is in full swing, so take the opportunity to come out, take a look, and give us a hand at cutting back invasive shrubs and fast-growing Like what you see here? Come help us on a preserve near trees to make more light for oak seedlings and wildflowers that you! Mark your calendars for these future workdays that will pop up in the spring. will run from 9 a.m. to Noon: May 2 Paint a Rosy Picture Trail Touch-Up March 14, 9 a.m. to Noon Black River Preserve, South Haven Spirit Springs Sanctuary, Marcellus June 13 The dainty spring ephemeral wildflowers get started early at Forest Friends Spirit Springs before trees leaf out, but they also face some Kesling Nature Preserve, Three Oaks challenges. Just like the spring wildflowers, invasive multiflora July 11 rose leafs out early in the season, too, directly challenging the Make a Monarch Haven strategy of these native plants. Let’s lay into these sprawling Pilgrim Haven Natural Area, South Haven roses and give our Michigan native wildflowers a leg up on the competition. Announcement: The Wednesday Workday Warriors will begin Plant a Prairie their 13th season in April! Let me know if you want to be April 11, 9 a.m. to Noon added to their email notification list. Chipman Preserve, Comstock — Mitch Lettow Anyone who has attempted to restore a prairie will tell you [email protected] the most critical part of the process is the preparation of the site before it receives the native plant material. Building on

18 Improving Public Use of Our Preserves mproving the public experience at our nature preserves has At Bow in the Clouds Preserve, making it accessible to been our primary focus this year. (See the middle pages of share with everyone was a big goal. With funding from the this newsletter for a map and list you can pull out and use to Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, we were able to have this barrier- Ivisit the preserves that have parking and trails.) At Black River free, 15-car parking lot installed. There are two solid-surface Preserve, our focus for the past two years has been developing parking spaces striped by Nate (photo below); the others were trails. About 1¼ miles have been cleared and blazed, and plans left intentionally permeable to promote water quality. include clearing an additional 1¼ miles. We are pleased to be able to say that Bow in the Clouds In the photo below, long-time volunteer and former board Preserve is officially open to the public with a parking lot off of president Kevin Haight, on snowshoes, helped Geoff and Nate Nazareth Road giving easy access. Next step: universal access flag trails last winter. Future plans for Black River Preserve for some trails, barrier-free access for other trails. (Photo by include creation of a trailhead and development of a boardwalk Mitch Lettow.) over the wetland. (Photo of Kevin by Nate Fuller.)

Stewardship Highlights of the Year olunteers at Saturday workdays, 26.5 acres of Pilgrim Haven Natural saw more big oaks and hickories released Wednesday Workdays, and Area and 365 acres of Wau-Ke-Na, from surrounding black locust, while the Pfizer Earth Day and Day of William Erby Smith Preserve. They oak savanna remnant of Hidden Pond CaringV conducted 41 workdays at 19 were able to treat every invasive plant at Preserve got a good series of spring- preserves, with over 1,600 hours and least once at Pilgrim Haven and at the burn/shrub-cutting/wildflower-sowing 400 volunteers. Volunteers monitored north tract of Wau-Ke-Na. The seasonal treatments. preserves, removed invasive plants, crew is now working in natural areas KL Avenue Nature Preserve cleared trails, marked boundaries, along the Paw Paw River under another underwent a remarkable transformation conducted biological inventories, and Sustain Our Great Lakes grant focused with the clearing of 10 acres of dense collected and sowed wildflower seed. on riparian habitat improvements. stands of autumn olive and honeysuckle Our seasonal crew spent over 2,000 We made substantial progress on which were then sown into oak savanna hours this summer working under a our oak savanna restoration at four native plant mix. Funding for work at Sustain Our Great Lakes grant. They preserves. At Chipman Preserve, we KL Avenue Nature Preserve has come conducted extensive surveys of invasive removed 13 acres of invasive brush and from the Partners in Wildlife Program, plant species and completed a 70-mile will soon install 4 acres of native prairie land donor Richard Malott, and The survey of the shoreline, including all plantings. Bow in the Clouds Preserve Hanes Trust.

19 Thanks also to all who renewed their Todd & Amy Sanford membership, supported us through their Bernard Glocheski & Joyce Sebring-Glocheski Thank You United Way program, or contributed to our Richard H. Shaw Welcome and Thank You to Our annual campaign, year-end appeal, and other Bruce & Kathy Shurtz New Members and Supporters fundraisers. Our sincere apologies for any Karl & Dana Smith May 2014 - December 15, 2014 omissions. Mike & Lynn Steil Peter D. Ter Louw Alan Avakian Leadership Contributions Timon Tesar Craig Berg The people and organizations listed below Maren & Christopher Uggen Bill & Sally Birch made significant contributions to support W.S. & Lois Van Dalson Foundation James & Sharon Bosco SWMLC’s program, land acquisition, Bo & Mel Van Peenan Greg Brandt stewardship, monitoring, and endowment Bradley & Cheri Weller BuildingReports funds. We thank them for their generosity TJ & Julia Wilkinson Arlene Campbell and support. The Wong Foundation Jon Garrett & Hannah Case Approved Protection Employees Richard & Julie Wyrwa John Chenault The Arctica & Abbey Foundation Laurie Young Richard Coffinger Elizabeth King & Richard Atwell Pam & Arno Yurk Frank Cunningham Audubon Society of Kalamazoo C. Miko Dargitz Phil Johnson & Mary Baggerman Matching Gifts Wayne & Marj Dennis Phyllis Barents The organizations listed below made Bill & Mary Lee Dimond Chuck & Jan Benner matching gifts on behalf of SWMLC Sam Dougherty Dave Foerster & Sheila Birdsall members. Gary & Nancy Druskovich Rodger & Barbara Bittner ExxonMobil Foundation Steve Ellis Peter R. Boerma IBM International Foundation Frank Finken Sherwood & Sharon Boudeman Pfizer Foundation Dorothy Fisch Jo Beth Bridleman Rusty & Julie Fry The Burdick-Thorne Foundation United Way Agencies Ric Gendernalik George & Pat Burgoyne Pfizer Foundation United Way Steven & Diane Goodrich Larry & Barbara Case United Way of Battle Creek/Kalamazoo Robert & Jennifer Gorman H.P. & Genevieve Connable Fund Robert & Paula Gorman Nancy Malcomson Connable Fund In-Kind Donation Rick Hart Harry Conway Paul MacNellis cleaned up a bunch of Randy Harvey Cottage Home dumped tires for us at Marc’s Marsh and paid Ruth & David Hawley-Lowry Kalman & Becky Csia for their proper disposal. Jason Horan Randal & Maria Eshuis Bob Jackson Christopher Flynn Business Supporters Karen Jackson The Estate of Caryl P. Freeman A Pizza Yen c/o All Foods To Go Catering for Lisa Klemmer Elisabeth R. French providing the food at our annual Volunteer Joe Kokmeyer Judy Gaspar Appreciation Dinner for our Land Protection Christine Kucks Jerry & Becky Gray and Stewardship teams. Rick Kupferschmidt William & Patricia Hanavan Greenspire/Joe Gesmundo for refreshments at Bill & Jeanette Leahy Blake Hawk our annual meeting. Susan Ledden Larry & Noel Hayward Julia & David Ludwig Jerry Hill Gift memberships were given to: Norbert Makowka Joel & Barbara Huber Bill & Sally Birch Phil McAvoy Kensinger & Alice Jones Rick Kupferschmidt W. & E. McManaman Greg & Carol Josefowicz Bill & Jeanette Leahy Marc Mellinger Nanette & Jack Keiser Julie Sullivan & Brett Seely Sally Mittler Ken & Marlena Kirton Larry & Rose Wile NorthStar Medical Equipment Matthew Kuiper by Jack & Nanette Keiser Andrew O’Boyle Jennifer Lau Noel Ocen-Gorgone Robert & Joyce Leppard James & Sharon Bosco Paye, Fischer & Krause Insurance Agency Inc. Tom & Pam Mansager Steven & Diane Goodrich Jon & Stephanie Rambow Martin & Wendy (Ball) McCormick David Rossi, M.D. Lotte Resek Philip Micklin by Todd Sanford David Rossi, M.D. Verne & Cindy Mills Sean Ryan Mittler Family Foundation Darnell Day & Catherine Case Teri Scott George & Amy Monroe Foundation Jon Garrett & Hannah Case Yolande Crosby & Patricia Scully Wayne & Karen Moss Rusty & Julie Fry Julie Sullivan & Brett Seely Gail Walter & Tom Nehil by Larry and Barbara Case Carleen Shook Bob & Kay O’Boyle Anthony & Sandra Snyder Anne & Paul Pancella Bill & Mary Lee Dimond Kathleen Staite Jeff & Emily Pearson Ron & Ruth Wiser Mike & Lori Tupper Melanie Perry by Betty Lee Ongley Mark & Cathy Uggeri John Davis & Marybeth Pritschet Larry & Rose Wile Adriana Pardave Meija & Samuel Qualls Gary & Nancy Druskovich Ron & Ruth Wiser Joanne & Edward Rebek Robert & Jennifer Gorman Kate Yuan George & Louise Robeck Robert & Paula Gorman Don Zeilenga David & Jan Ryder Mark & Cathy Uggeri Douglas Salerno by Donna & Rob Keller

20 Andrew O’Boyle Jon & Stephanie Rambow Mike & Lori Tupper by Bob & Kay O’Boyle Pedaling for Pilgrim Haven Donations were made in honor of: Norman & Rita Bober’s 50th Anniversary by Richard & Sophie Bober

Woody Boudeman by Bud & Judi Baldwin

Becky Csia by Jan Shillito

Ilse Gebhard by Jan Shillito

Bob Leppard’s birthday by Brian Leppard

Don J. Sayan by Jack & Nanette Keiser

Pete Ter Louw’s 50th Birthday by Kalman & Becky Csia ohn Lewandowski, long-time SWMLC member and supporter, is a doer and a Jack & Nanette Keiser Jfund-raiser. He also likes to ride his bike. Combining these three talents has Ken & Marlena Kirton benefited other organizations in the past, including SWMLC. Donna, Mac & Anna McClurkan Russell & Cleora Mohney So when John heard we needed money to create public access for Pilgrim Rebecca Sive & Steve Tomshefsky Haven Natural Area so that this beautiful beachfront can be opened for the (with thanks to Brian & Lori Bosgraaf ) community to enjoy, he jumped right in. Rather, he jumped right on — his bike. Honorariums He decided to ride a few miles and gather pledges in support of his ride. In appreciation for a program given by Pamela John likes a challenge, and he’s raised money for us before. (In 2009, John Weaver Larson, an honorarium was donated by rode 1,700 miles to raise donations for Deerlick Creek Beach.) But this time, he the Oshtemo Historical Society. really raised the bar on this ride, pedaling over 18,800 vertical feet during a six- Memorial Contributions day bike ride through Bryce Canyon, Utah, in October! John raised $2,738.00, The following gifts were made in memory or remembrance of: and donations are still coming in. All proceeds are being directed toward the Wendell & Juanita Ball infrastructure necessary to create barrier-free access so that Pilgrim Haven can be Original owners of the “Eureka” property enjoyed by everyone. by Martin and Wendy (Ball) McCormick If you’d like to donate in support of John’s fund-raising ride, it’s not too late. Coral Briney Just send us a check or donate online from our website at www.SWMLC.org. by Coral Mason Write “Pedaling for Pilgrim Haven” in the memo line or comments section. Robert (Bob) Davis Thank you to all those below who supported John and Pilgrim Haven! by Judy Jolliffe Approved Protection Employees Norbert Makowka Caryl Freeman Craig Berg W. & E. McManaman by Encore Club BuildingReports Verne & Cindy Mills Don Galow Arlene Campbell Russell & Cleora Mohney by Diane Worden Richard Coffinger NorthStar Medical Equipment Dana Getman & Teresa Cunningham Kevin & Andrea Olson Eunice Harding by Warrick & Boyn, LLP C. Miko Dargitz Roger & Susan Olson Sam Dougherty Paye, Fischer & Krause Ins. Agency Lionel L’Esperance by Judith Willson Tony & Grace Gilmore Lotte Resek B.L. Harroun & Son, Inc. Teri Scott Tim C. Murphy Randy Harvey Carleen Shook by Robin K. Byrn Ruth & David Hawley-Lowry Anthony & Sandra Snyder Jack Smoke Jason Horan Richard & Olga Stieve by R.J. & Donalee A. Williams Lisa Klemmer Peter D. Ter Louw Gordon J. & Marjoe White Christine Kucks Donald & Ann Wheat by William Minshall

21 Meet Cindy and Miko One If By Land, Two If By Sea indy Mills has been actively involved with SWMLC Cfor a number of years as a past member of the board of directors and as a member of the land protection team. She joined the staff in September to manage the conservation easement monitoring program. Some of her responsibilities include planning and coordinating our annual monitoring of all easements, assisting with baseline documentation of easements, and supporting the land protection staff. A Portage native who grew up with what is now Celery Flats Interpretive Center as her “backyard playground,” Cindy is delighted to be a part of SWMLC’s efforts to conserve the natural areas of southwest Michigan. Her lifelong love of nature brought her to Western Michigan University to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology and agriculture, with an emphasis on environmental studies. Cindy returned to complete a master’s degree in biomedical science, and spent a number of years doing pharmaceutical research at Upjohn/Pharmacia/ Pfizer. She is also currently working in a plant genetics/ evolutionary biology lab at MSU’s Kellogg Biological Station. Cindy lives on a few acres in Cooper Township with her husband Verne, who is a biology professor at Kalamazoo Cindy is in her element outdoors, and can often be found doing Valley Community College. They spend free time gardening, dressage with Oliver, her thoroughbred/quarter horse. hiking, fossil-hunting, and searching for agates and Petoskey Photo by Val Noblet. stones along the shorelines of the Great Lakes. iko Dargitz joined SWMLC in the fall as Development MAssociate. She grew up in Portage, Michigan, and after living in North Carolina, Washington, DC, and Hawaii, she returned to Michigan to raise her daughter in her hometown. Miko has an undergraduate degree from Duke University and a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a focus on Environmental and Land Use Planning. Her work experience includes: Grants Writer and Midwest Program Associate at the Land Trust Alliance; Capital Improvement Program Specialist for the Hawaii State House of Representatives Finance Committee; and Legislative and Community Relations Coordinator for the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Miko also has experience working with several Midwest consultants focused on conservation fundraising and community development and is in her seventh year on the City of Portage Planning Commission. She loves, most of all, spending time outdoors with her daughter, Riley — playing in the garden, on the lake, or in the woods. Miko and her daughter live in a cottage (with two dogs and one cat) on the same lake where she grew up. Miko enjoys a morning paddle in the rain during our Black River Preserve event in October. Photo by Geoffrey D. Cripe.

22 Executive Director’s Report or those of us who work in conservation, the question paying us rewards in the form of native blooms. With support of “why do we do what we do?” is often a personal one from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, we have developed a that each of us answered for ourselves a long time ago. barrier-free trail system plan that will make the 60-acre preserve FFor some it’s because we want to protect our special natural accessible to people of all ages and abilities. This past summer, landscapes for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. For we completed construction of a 15-car parking lot with a others it’s because keeping Nature healthy and in balance is new entrance to the preserve off of Nazareth Road, providing imperative to its ability to provide clean air for us to breathe, essential public access where, until now, there has been none. clean water for us to drink, and nutritious food for us to eat. You can now visit Bow in the Clouds anytime and enjoy this For all of us, it’s because being outside and in Nature is the urban natural area. one time when we feel the happiest, healthiest, and most Likewise, at Pilgrim Haven Natural Area on the Lake intrinsically human. Michigan shoreline, we completed a Conservation Master Plan Whether walking, hiking, bird-watching, running, to guide habitat restoration and public infrastructure, cleared paddling, or just observing and learning, our time spent in over 1,500 feet of trail with the help of some of our dedicated Nature has the ability to restore our senses and reinvigorate volunteers, and installed a pedestrian access, opening Pilgrim our spirits, while also providing the physical exercise that so Haven for everyone to enjoy. We are now creating a private- many of us are lacking. The bottom line is being outside in public partnership with the South Haven Area Recreation Nature is good for us. Authority to collaborate on the site’s management and As a result, our focus over the last year and into 2015 is to maintenance, our collective goal to create a world-class lakeshore create nearby high-quality natural places for everyone to enjoy. natural area to share with the people of this region. For us, this means taking care of the land we own, and making At the same time, we must also focus on helping to enhance it accessible for the public to visit. the native ecology of these special places. In Kalamazoo, we have In Kalamazoo’s Eastside neighborhood at our Bow in the undertaken major grassland and oak savanna restoration at three Clouds Preserve, we are restoring habitat, which is already of our Kalamazoo County preserves with a focus on the KL Avenue Nature Preserve. Here we have invested heavily in removing invasive species to help the rare black oak savannas to regain their native character and planting native wildflowers to restore the prairie meadows. This next year, with support from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, our goal is to construct a parking lot and trailhead to share the preserve’s 1.5 miles of trails and rolling landscape. As the new year opens, we expect to have created new preserves in Barry, Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph counties, and we anticipate protecting a lot more land in 2015 throughout southwest Michigan. Our goal is improving the ecology of our preserves and providing new and expanded public access so that we can share them with you. Please take a look at our preserve map in the centerfold, and visit the preserve nearest you. The map is designed to be removed for convenient reference, so take it with you and visit them all! Thank you for supporting our work. We are excited to provide public access to the special places we protect so that you, too, can enjoy the beauty and wonder of Nature. Students from Dr. Steve Hamilton’s wetland ecology class at Kellogg Biological — Peter D. Ter Louw Station came out to Bow in the Clouds Preserve to learn about wetland restoration and help us sow native plants. Photo by Nate Fuller.

23 Nonprofit Organization Board of Directors U.S. Postage PAID Todd Sanford, Kalamazoo, MI President Permit No. 50 W. Jack Keiser, Vice-President Mary Houser, Treasurer Susan Houseman, Secretary Jim Birkes Brian Bosgraaf 6851 S. Sprinkle Rd. Larry J. Case Portage, MI 49002-9708 Dave Coleman Donna Perry Keller ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Jennifer Lau Robert L. O’Boyle Betty Lee Ongley Janice Varney

Staff Peter D. Ter Louw Executive Director Geoffrey D. Cripe Director of Land Protection C. Miko Dargitz Development Associate Nate Fuller Preserving wild and scenic places for today — and keeping them healthy for tomorrow Conservation and Stewardship Director Printed with soy inks on paper containing 50% recycled content with 25% post-consumer waste Pamela Weaver Larson Communications Director; Landscapes; 2015 Painted Sanctuary Calendar Website and Social Media ur Painted Sanctuary 2015 calendar Annual Meeting/Painted Sanctuary Mitch Lettow Ois available and makes a great Event and the November Art Hop in Stewardship Specialist holiday gift! This beautiful 13-month downtown Kalamazoo. Once again, calendar features paintings of properties we thank MLive Media Group for Cindy Mills we’ve protected throughout southwest generously allowing us to use their space Conservation Easement Specialist Michigan. All of the paintings were for both of those events. Emily E. Wilke created outdoors by the Plein Air Artists To get your calendar for only $10, of West Michigan on our preserves and stop by our office and pick one up. Or Conservation Projects Manager conservation easement properties. Out call us, and we’ll mail it to you (for $5 Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, of 55 paintings under consideration, our extra). Inc., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. selection committee chose 15 Federal EIN 38-3038708. MICS 10463. to appear in this calendar. Dennis Tyson has For more information: taken over the reins from Write: SWMLC Richard Jordan as director 6851 S. Sprinkle Rd. of PAAWM, guiding the Portage, MI 49002-9708 year-long paintouts. Repeat Call: (269) 324-1600 performances included Fax: (269) 324-9760 Richard designing the E-mail: [email protected] calendar together for us, Website: www.SWMLC.org illustrator Amelia Hansen providing the original Like us on Facebook. illustrations, and Nate Fuller writing the accompanying text Scan with your QR code to Amelia’s illustrations. reader → We showcased all 55 Heeyoung You paints at Pilgrim Haven Natural Area paintings at our November in South Haven. Photo by Dennis Tyson.